Friday, April 22, 2011

The new model year brings a refresh for Jaguar’s XF and XFR sedans, which were both revealed in a world premiere today at the New York Auto Show. The British firm’s BMW 5-Series rival receives restyled front and rear bodywork, along with some subtle changes inside and for certain markets including Europe, the introduction of a new four-cylinder turbo diesel engine.On the outside, Jaguar tried to bring the XF into line with the new XJ, though some may also see common themes with the original C-XF Concept, especially up front with the new and sleeker headlamp designs that incorporate LED daytime running lights arranged in a distinctive Jaguar ‘J-Blade’ signature.The 2012 XF benefits from revisions to the grille, hood, and front fenders, which incorporate new triangular side vents, while Jaguar also added larger tail lamps with full-LEDs for stop, tail light and turn signal functions. In addition, the trunk lid trim has been redesigned. The XFR’s newly styled bumpers and alloy wheels complete the exterior makeover.Inside, the changes are more subtle with the XF gaining a new steering wheel, revised seats, a modified instrument panel and optional 1200W Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system.In North America, the 2012 XF continues with the existing engine lineup that includes a 385HP 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8, a 470HP 5.0-liter supercharged V8 and a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with 510HP in the XFR.In Europe and other markets, however, Jaguar is introducing the 2.2-liter four-cylinder AJ-i4D turbo diesel, which is a development of the Ford unit found in the Land Rover Freelander. The oil burner puts out 190HP and 450Nm of peak torque, and is linked to a new 8-speed automatic transmission.Jaguar says that with this engine, the XF reached 60mph (96 km/h) in 8.0 seconds en route to a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h), while returning a 52.3mpg UK (equal to 43.6 mpg US or 5.4 lt/100 km) on the EU combined cycle, making it the most economical Jaguar ever. According to the automaker, it emits 149g/km of CO2 and is Euro Stage V compliant.